CONNECTIONS

Soundcraft Si Series MADI Connectivity &

Worked Examples
V1.3

Contents
An Introduction to MADI; ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Application Example1a, Two Si Compact Consoles Sharing Inputs ............................................................................ 3
Application Example1b, Two Si Compact Consoles Sharing Inputs ............................................................................ 4
Application Example2, Two Si Compact Consoles with Stagebox .............................................................................. 5
Application Example3, Si Compact & Vi1 with Stagebox............................................................................................ 6
Application Example4, Vi 2/4/6 & Si Compact with Stagebox.................................................................................... 7
General Notes: ............................................................................................................................................................ 9

An Introduction to MADI;
Multi-channel Audio Digital Interface, or MADI, is an industry-standard electronic communications protocol that
defines the data format and electrical characteristics of an interface carrying multiple channels of digital audio.
The original specification (AES10-1991) defined the MADI link as a 56 channel transport for the purpose of
linking large-format mixing consoles to digital multi-track recording devices but it soon found itself adopted by
large broadcast studios for routing multi-channel audio throughout their facilities.
Typically the format is transmitted over coaxial cable, fibre-optic lines or CAT5 cables; The MADI standard
supports 28, 56, or 64 channels with sampling rates of up to 96 kHz and resolution of up to 24 bits per channel.
As noted, the original specification allowed 56 channels at sample rates from 28 to 54 kHz (3248 kHz 12.5%),
the 2003 revision specifies a narrower sample rate range of 3248 kHz but allows 64 channels.
MADI offers a number of benefits over other digital protocols and standards such as AES/EBU (AES3), ADAT, TDIF,
S/PDIF, CobraNet and similar including:

Greater number of channels per line

Use of coaxial and optical fibre media (enable the transmission of audio signals over extended distances)
It is a simple point-to-point system with no need to address channels within the packets
Low latency

The use of MADI, with respect to mixing consoles, has changed little over the years but its popularity continues
to grow as a reliable interface between two or more mixing consoles or between a mixing console and router or
digital recording system.
The former example has increased dramatically in popularity as Pro Audio consoles moved into the digital
domain and remote stageboxes became more common. This move has enabled a single stagebox to be shared
amongst two or more consoles without the need for an analogue split system.
The latter example has seen strong growth as artists and record companies look to multi-track record almost
every notable event for later publication and release whilst sound engineers frequently employ multi-channel
playback of a rehearsal or previous event to do more comprehensive sound checks without need for the band
(virtual sound-check).

Application Example1a, Two Si Compact Consoles Sharing Inputs

This example illustrates the principle of two consoles linked by MADI allowing sharing of the inputs to
the master console.
System Diagram:

Setup Procedure:
1. Connect system as illustrated.
2. Patch input channels of master console as required.
3. Patch channel direct outputs of master console to MADI OUT.
4. Patch inputs of slave console to MADI IN.
5. Set SLAVE console to EXTernal word clock synchronisation.
Key Benefits:
1. Eliminates need for analogue input connections to 2nd console.
2. MADI link can be dual redundant.
3. Enabling DOGS system on Si Compact allows changes to mic amp gain on master console without
affecting input levels to slave console.
4. MADI recorder can be connected AUX MADI OUT of either console if not using a dual redundant
MADI link.
Restrictions:
1. There is no direct output from stereo channels of an Si Compact.
2. Master console must be on with suitable patches made for slave console to receive system inputs.

Application Example1b, Two Si Compact Consoles Sharing Inputs

This example is similar to 1a however here the outputs of the slave console are passed back down the
MADI link in order the slave console outputs are available on the master console.
System Diagram:

Setup Procedure:
1. Connect system as illustrated.
2. Patch input channels of master console as required.
3. Patch channel direct outputs of master console to MADI OUT.
4. Patch inputs of slave console to MADI IN.
5. Set SLAVE console to EXTernal word clock synchronisation.
6. Patch outputs of slave console to MADI OUT.
7. Patch spare inputs of master console to MADI IN.
a. Patch direct outputs of spare inputs to spare outputs of master console.
Key Benefits:
1. Eliminates need for all analogue connections to 2nd console.
2. MADI link can be dual redundant.
3. Enabling DOGS system on Si Compact allows changes to mic amp gain on master console without
affecting input levels to slave console.
4. MADI recorder can be connected AUX MADI OUT of either console if not using a dual redundant
MADI link.
Restrictions:
1. There is no direct output from stereo channels of an Si Compact.
2. Master console must be on with suitable patches made for slave console to receive system inputs.
3. Requires spare(unused) input channels and output sockets on master console.
4

Application Example2, Two Si Compact Consoles with Stagebox

This example illustrates the principle behind two consoles sharing a Compact Stagebox in a parallel
configuration.
System Diagram:

Setup Procedure:
1. Connect system as illustrated.
2. Set INPUT SEL switch on stagebox to MAIN.
3. Patch input channels of master console to stagebox as required.
4. Patch inputs of slave console to MADI channels as required (NOTE 2nd console will not see mic amps
of stagebox only MADI sources).
5. Set slave console to EXTernal word clock synchronisation.
Key Benefits:
1. Analogue runs are kept to a minimum.
2. The master console need not be on for the slave console to function.
3. Direct out of slave console can be used to feed a 3rd console, MADI recorder or similar.
Restrictions:
1. Dual redundant MADI links are not possible.
2. GAIN change made by master console will be affect level at SLAVE; DOGS function can not work in
this topology.

Application Example3, Si Compact & Vi1 with Stagebox

This example illustrates the principle behind two consoles sharing a stagebox in a series
configuration.
System Diagram:

Setup Procedure:
1. Patch channel direct outputs from Si Compact to MADI starting channel 17 (or higher)*1.
2. Connect system as illustrated then RESET I/O on the Si Compact.
3. Patch input channels of master console to stagebox as required.
4. Patch inputs of slave console to MADI channels as required.
5. Set SLAVE console to EXTernal word clock synchronisation.
*1 Assumes no additional output cards fitted to stagebox slots K or L, in the case there are output
cards the channel width of this must be considered when choosing MADI direct out start channel
Key Benefits:
1. Eliminates need for analogue inputs to 2nd console.
2. Analogue runs are kept to a minimum.
3. Enabling DOGS system on Si Compact allows changes to mic amp gain on master console without
affecting input levels to slave console.
4. Direct out of slave console can be used to feed a 3rd console, MADI recorder or similar.
Restrictions:
1. Re-patch of direct outputs to MADI card cannot be changed once the stagebox is discovered.
2. Master console must be ON with suitable patches made for slave console to receive any signal.
3. Must heed notices regarding MAIN/AUX connections see notes in this document.
6

Application Example4, Vi 2/4/6 & Si Compact with Stagebox

This example also illustrates the principle behind two consoles sharing a stagebox in a series
configuration but utilises features in the Vi2/4/6 to deliver an efficient solution.
System Diagram:

Setup Procedure:
1. Connect system as illustrated.
2. Patch input channels of master console to stagebox as required.
3. Patch input channels of master console to local MADI card outputs.
4. Patch inputs of slave console to MADI channels as required.
5. Patch outputs of slave console to MADI channels as required.
6. Make tie-line patches on Vi between local MADI card and stagebox as required.
7. Set SLAVE console to EXTernal word clock synchronisation.
Key Benefits:
1. Eliminates all analogue connections other than system inputs to stagebox.
2. All MADI links can be dual redundant.
3. Master and slave outputs can appear on stagebox.
4. Analogue runs are kept to a minimum.
5. Local rack I/O remains available for use.
6. 3rd MADI card or AUX MADI out can be used for recording or feeding 3rd console.

Restrictions:
1. Gain change made by master console will be affect level at SLAVE; DOGS function can not work in
this topology.
2. Maximum of 24 tie lines can be created.
IMPORTANT: Interaction and function of the stagebox INPUT SEL switch:
The setting of the INPUT SEL switch on the stagebox determines which console sees the
stagebox inputs as the controllable mic amp or simply a MADI audio source. If the switch
setting is changed the console that was the master will no longer be able to see the mic
inputs these will be reported as not present
Since the console had once seen the I/O cards in the stagebox the cards continue to appear on the screen in
anticipation that the stagebox will be reconnected; this is the same scenario as if the stagebox was
disconnected or turned off. To make the change permanent you must reset the I/O database from the Si SHOW
menu.
NOTE: A secondary function of the INPUT SEL switch is to determine if inputs to the stagebox come from either
the MAIN or AUX MADI links.

IMPORTANT: Interaction between MAIN and AUX ports on console MADI cards.
The MADI cards fitted to consoles treat each of their MADI ports identically. This is of no consequence to the
MADI OUT signals which are sent in parallel to both the MAIN and AUX ports however if both MAIN and AUX
ports are receiving a valid MADI IN stream the console must decide which port to listen to. The console will try
to use the port that 1st received a valid MADI stream, if the console detects any dropout it will switch to the
other port.
This interaction impacts on configurations such as Example 3 where the Vi1 must be connected after the Si
Compact is connected to the stagebox to ensure the Si Compact does not attempt to listens to the Vi1.
When using optical connections a failsafe approach is not to complete the SLAVE MADI OUT to MASTER MADI IN
connection.

General Notes:
IMPORTANT: Where possible systems should be locked by word clock for improved system performance and to
prevent against potential dropout or spurious noise. Soundcraft do not condone operating any digital audio
systems without suitable locking systems being implemented.
There are many MADI recorders and interfaces on the market that allow the MADI stream to be re-distributed or
converted into other formats such as an ADAT or analogue that add additional functionality or flexibility to
examples outlined above.
The type of connector used by the Si and Vi optical MADI cards is the SC type
as shown. The transceivers and fibre cable (unless otherwise specified) are
the Multi Mode type; offering typical distance between nodes of up to
1500m using a single run of multimode 50/125 optical fibre, 600m using 3 X
200m reels of multimode 50/125 optical fibre joined in series.

The most common type of connector & cable are the Duplex type where the
fibres are bonded together in a figure of 8 shape with the connectors
clipped together as a pair.

Some Soundcraft Vi systems employ a ruggedised connector from Fibreco

known as the Senior http://www.fibreco.co.uk/products.php?id=0

To enable mating between this form factor and the SC type, a chassis
mount RZ2705-01 connector (which includes a captive 1M tail terminated
with a pair of SC connectors) is required;

A cut-out diagram for the RZ2705-01 connector assembly is

shown in the following page.